Image recording apparatus, dynamic image processing apparatus, dynamic image reproduction apparatus, dynamic image recording apparatus, information recording / reproduction apparatus and methods employed therein, recording medium with computer program stored therein

ABSTRACT

The image recording apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a conversion device that converts an optical image of a subject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records the electrical signal achieved through the conversion device in a storage device as image data and a display control circuit that detects an available capacity at the storage device and the length of time that power supply by a source is possible and displays them on a display as available capacity information and remaining power supply time information. The available capacity information indicates the length of available recording time remaining at the available capacity that has been detected.

[0001] The disclosures of the following priority applications are hereinincorporated by reference:

[0002] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-102375, filed Apr. 14, 1998

[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150178, filed May 29, 1998

[0004] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150179, filed May 29, 1998

[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150180, filed May 29, 1998

[0006] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150181, filed May 29, 1998

[0007] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150182, filed May 29, 1998

[0008] Japanese Patent Application No. 10-150183, filed May 29, 1998

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (1) Field of the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to an image recording apparatusthat displays the remaining recording capacity, a dynamic imageprocessing apparatus that divides dynamic images and records them in astorage device that allows random access, a dynamic image reproductionapparatus that reproduces dynamic image data recorded in a recordingmedium that allows random access and a dynamic image recording apparatusthat allows recorded dynamic images to be edited.

[0011] In addition, the present invention relates to an informationrecording/reproduction apparatus and a method employed therein and arecording medium that allow the mode that has been set during theprevious operating session and the contents in the recording medium tobe indicated to the user.

[0012] (2) Description of the Related Art

[0013] Today, video cameras that photograph and record dynamic imagesare widely used. In such video cameras, magnetic tape such as an 8 mmvideo cassette is employed as the recording medium for recording imagedata. An 8 mm video cassette, which is a sequential access medium, i.e.,a recording medium that does not allow random access, presents thefollowing problems.

[0014] (1) The problem described below typically arises when recordingimages on an 8 mm video cassette having image data recorded discretelyon the tape. In order to ascertain the position in the tape at whichrecording is possible and the length of time recording is possible,“play,” “fast-forward” and “rewind” must be performed repeatedly and thelengths of time during which recording is possible must be addedtogether to display an accurate remaining recording time. In addition,there is a problem in that even when there are portions of the tape inwhich recording is possible, recording is not practically possible ifthese portions are discrete and in separate locations.

[0015] (2) When reproducing an 8 mm video cassette in which, forinstance, an unnecessary scene that the user does not wish to reproduceis recorded between scenes that the user wishes to reproducecontinuously, the user must perform an operation such as a fast-forwardduring reproduction or the user must copy in advance the scenes hewishes to reproduce on another 8 mm video cassette.

[0016] (3) When dynamic images are compressed and recorded as dynamicimage files, the recorded dynamic images can be edited or erased onlyafter the compressed dynamic images are expanded. Thus, in order to edita large volume of data image files, a large-capacity memory for storingthe expanded dynamic image files is required.

[0017] (4) When recording using a tape, a portion of which has alreadybeen used for recording, the information (images) that has already beenrecorded is erased if the recording is started at the wrong position onthe tape.

[0018] (5) There is a problem with video cameras in the prior art havingseparate buttons for receiving user operation instructions such as poweron/off, record, play, fast-forward and the like, in that the operationbecomes complex.

[0019] In addition, two modes, i.e., a mode mainly for performingrecording (hereafter referred to as the photographing mode) and a modemainly for performing operations such as reproduction and editing ofcontents recorded in a recording medium (hereafter referred to as thedisk operation mode) are available at the power switch in a movie camerathat performs photographing of dynamic images or still images, i.e., avideo camera. In many cases, the power switch of a movie camera is alsoutilized for the selection of these modes. In other words, in a moviecamera, a switch for selecting either the photographing mode or the diskoperation mode is provided and when either of the modes is selected byoperating the switch, power is turned on.

[0020] Since, in such a movie camera in the prior art, no means isprovided for indicating to the user the mode that was set during theprevious operating session or the contents in the recording medium, theuser is required to make notes on these points and save them from oneoperating session to the next.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A first object of the present invention is to achieve display ofthe remaining recording time by detecting the available capacity in thestorage device.

[0022] In order to achieve this object, the image recording apparatusaccording to the present invention comprises a conversion device thatconverts an optical image of a subject to an electrical signal, arecording circuit that records the electrical signal achieved throughthe conversion performed by the conversion device into a storage deviceas image data and a display control circuit that detects the availablecapacity at the storage device and the remaining length of time thatpower can be supplied by a source and displays this information on adisplay as available capacity information and remaining power supplytime information.

[0023] The available capacity information indicates the length ofrecording time remaining at the available capacity that has beendetected.

[0024] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the image recording apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises a conversion device that converts an optical image of asubject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records theelectrical signal achieved through the conversion performed by theconversion device in a storage device as image data and a displaycontrol circuit that detects the length of time that information can berecorded in the storage device and the length of time that power can besupplied by the source and displays the remaining recording time or theremaining power supply time on a display in correspondence to theresults of comparison of the remaining recording time and the remainingpower supply time.

[0025] The display control circuit indicates the remaining power supplytime on the display when the remaining power supply time is shorter thanthe remaining recording time. When the remaining recording time islonger than the remaining power supply time, the remaining power supplytime is displayed flashing.

[0026] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the image recording apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises a conversion device that converts an optical image of asubject to an electrical signal, a recording circuit that records theelectrical signal achieved through the conversion performed by theconversion device in the storage device as dynamic image data and adisplay control circuit that displays the length of time thatinformation can be recorded at the storage device on a display whensetting is made to erase dynamic image data recorded in the storagedevice.

[0027] The display control circuit displays the length of remainingrecording time on the display, which increases in correspondence to theamount of dynamic image data set to be erased.

[0028] A second object of the present invention is to achieve editing ofdynamic images without requiring a large-capacity memory.

[0029] In order to achieve the object described above, the dynamic imageprocessing apparatus according to the present invention is provided withan image processing circuit that receives data of dynamic images thatare continuous over time to form divisional specific units of dynamicimages for recording, compresses each of the dynamic images in thedivisional specific units thus formed and records them as differentfiles in a storage device.

[0030] The image processing circuit records dynamic images everyspecific time or specific data quantity as a plurality of units.Alternatively, dynamic images may be formed every specific number ofGOPs as a plurality of units of sets of GOPs, to be compressed andrecorded through the MPEG method. In addition, the image processingcircuit records information indicating continuity over time of aplurality of dynamic image files that have been recorded. When theapparatus is further provided with a photographing device thatphotographs a moving object to form dynamic images, dynamic imagesphotographed by the photographing device are recorded as a plurality ofdivisional units of dynamic images.

[0031] A third object of the present invention is to achieve animprovement in the operability when reproducing photographed dynamicimage data.

[0032] In order to achieve the object described above, the dynamic imagereproduction apparatus according to the present invention comprises areproduction circuit that reproduces a plurality of sets of image datathat are recorded in a storage device and are constituted of a pluralityof sets of dynamic image data having continuity over time and areproduction control circuit that selects either a first reproductionmode for reproducing only selected sets of image data among theplurality of sets of image data or a second reproduction mode forsequentially reproducing the plurality of sets of image data in aspecific order and controls the reproduction circuit by ensuring thatdynamic images are reproduced in correspondence to the selectedreproduction mode.

[0033] The dynamic image reproduction apparatus may be further providedwith a reproduction instruction device that issues an instruction forreproduction of dynamic image data and a data selection device thatselects one set of image data among the plurality of sets of image datastored in the storage device so that the reproduction control circuitcan control the reproduction circuit to ensure that selected image dataare reproduced when the data selection device is operated and theplurality of sets of image data are sequentially reproduced in aspecific order when the reproduction instruction device is operated.

[0034] In addition, the reproduction control circuit may control thereproduction circuit so that when image data are first selected by thedata selection device and then an instruction for a reproduction startis issued by the reproduction instruction device, the image dataselected by the data selection device are reproduced and then the imagedata following this image data are sequentially reproduced.

[0035] It is desirable that image data be sequentially reproduced in thechronological order in which they were photographed.

[0036] A fourth object of the present invention is to facilitate theediting work and to ensure that the editing work is implemented free oferrors.

[0037] In order to achieve the object described above, the dynamic imagerecording apparatus according to the present invention comprises aphotographing device that photographs a moving object to form dynamicimages, a recording circuit that records the dynamic images in a storagedevice, a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamic imagesrecorded in the storage device, a display device that displays thedynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit and aspecification device that specifies on the display an editing rangewithin the dynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit.

[0038] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the dynamic image recording apparatus according to the present inventionmay comprise a photographing device that photographs a moving object toform dynamic images, a recording circuit that records the dynamic imagesin a storage device, a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamicimages recorded in the storage device, a display device that displaysthe dynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit, aspecification device that specifies on the display an editing rangewithin the dynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit and adisplay control circuit that controls the reproduction circuit so thatthe dynamic images within the editing range specified by thespecification device and the non-editing range are displayed in acomprehensible manner when the reproduction circuit reproduces dynamicimages to be displayed on the display.

[0039] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the dynamic image recording apparatus according to the present inventionmay comprise a photographing device that photographs a moving object toform dynamic images, a recording circuit that records the dynamic imagesin a storage device, a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamicimages recorded in the storage device, a display device that displaysthe dynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit, aspecification device that specifies on the display an editing rangewithin the dynamic images reproduced by the reproduction circuit and areproduction control circuit that controls the reproduction circuit toensure that the dynamic images within the non-editing ranges precedingand following the editing range specified by the specification deviceare continuously displayed by skipping the editing range when thereproduction circuit reproduces dynamic images to be displayed on thedisplay.

[0040] The specification device described above is capable of specifyinga range within the dynamic images to be erased.

[0041] A fifth object of the present invention is to achieve animprovement in the operability when erasing dynamic images.

[0042] In order to achieve the object described above, the dynamic imagereproduction apparatus according to the present invention comprises areproduction circuit that reproduces dynamic image data stored in astorage device and a means for inquiry that inquires of the user as towhether or not a specific type of processing is to be performed on thedynamic image data reproduced by the reproduction circuit.

[0043] The specific type of processing above refers to processing inwhich the dynamic image data reproduced by the reproduction circuit areerased or processing in which erasure is disabled. The dynamic imagereproduction apparatus may be further provided with a decision-makingcircuit that makes a decision as to whether or not the specific type ofprocessing has been performed on the dynamic image data reproduced bythe reproduction circuit. In addition, the apparatus may be furtherprovided with a display so that an inquiry by the means for inquiry canbe displayed on the display.

[0044] A sixth object of the present invention is to simplify theoperation by accepting user operation instructions at a common button.

[0045] In order to achieve the object described above, the dynamic imagerecording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a modeselector device that switches between a recording mode and areproduction mode, a photographing device that photographs a movingobject to form dynamic images, a reproduction circuit that reproducesdynamic image data stored in a storage device in the reproduction modeand an instruction device that issues an instruction for a power supplystart through a user operation, with the mode selector device switchingto the reproduction mode when the power supply is started through anoperation on the instruction device.

[0046] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the dynamic image reproduction apparatus according to the presentinvention may be provided with a reproduction mode selector device thatswitches the reproduction mode to a dynamic image reproduction mode forreproducing dynamic images or to a still image reproduction mode forreproducing still images and an instruction device operated by the userto issue an instruction for a pause in dynamic image reproduction in thedynamic image reproduction mode. In response to a user operation of theinstruction device, the reproduction mode selector device switches fromthe dynamic image reproduction mode to the still image reproductionmode.

[0047] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the dynamic image reproduction apparatus according to the presentinvention may be provided with a reproduction mode selector device thatswitches the reproduction mode to a dynamic image reproduction mode forreproducing dynamic images or to a still image reproduction mode forreproducing still images and an instruction device operated by the userto issue an instruction for fast-forwarding in the dynamic imagereproduction mode and a reproduction circuit that achieves frame feedreproduction of still images in response to a user operation of theinstruction device in the still image reproduction mode.

[0048] Alternatively, in order to achieve the object described above,the dynamic image reproduction apparatus according to the presentinvention may be provided with a reproduction mode selector device thatswitches the reproduction mode to a dynamic image reproduction mode forreproducing dynamic images or to a still image reproduction mode forreproducing still images and an instruction device operated by the userto issue an instruction for a rewind in the dynamic image reproductionmode and a reproduction circuit that achieves frame reverse reproductionof still images in response to a user operation of the instructiondevice in the still image reproduction mode.

[0049] A seventh object of the present invention is to enable indicationof the mode that has been set during the previous operating session andthe contents in the recording medium to the user.

[0050] In order to achieve the object described above, the informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to the present invention isprovided with an image-capturing device that captures images of aspecific subject and generates corresponding image signals, a recordingcircuit that records the image signals generated by the image-capturingdevice in an image storage device as image files, a reproduction circuitthat reproduces the image files recorded in the image storage device bythe recording circuit, a mode storage device that stores at least eithera first mode related to generating image signals or a second moderelated to image files recorded in the image storage device as the modethat is set when power is turned off, and a setting circuit that setseither the first mode or the second mode in conformance to the contentsstored in the mode storage device when power is turned on.

[0051] The present invention may be implemented as follows.

[0052] (1) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with a first display control circuit that allowsdisplay of setting details related to the generation of image signals bythe image-capturing device when the setting circuit is executing settingfor the first mode and a second display control circuit that allowsdisplay of a representative image or the file name of a representativefile among image files recorded in the image storage device when thesetting circuit is executing setting for the second mode.

[0053] (2) When power is turned on and the setting circuit sets thefirst mode or the second mode in correspondence to the contents storedin the mode storage device, the second display control circuit displaysa representative image or the file name of an image file, whereas whenthe contents stored in the mode storage device indicate the first mode,it erases the display of the representative image or the file name aftera specific length of time has elapsed.

[0054] (3) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with an instruction device that issues instructions foran emergency start of generating image signals by the image-capturingdevice and an emergency start of image file recording by the imagestorage device when the first mode or the second mode is set by thesetting circuit.

[0055] (4) The image storage device is constituted of a recording mediumthat can be freely loaded into or ejected from the apparatus main body,and the information recording/reproduction apparatus may be furtherprovided with a decision-making circuit that makes a decision as towhether or not a recording medium is loaded when the first mode or thesecond mode has been set by the setting circuit and a third displaycontrol circuit that allows display of a warning indicating that norecording medium is loaded when it is decided by the decision-makingcircuit that no recording medium has been loaded.

[0056] (5) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with a fourth display control circuit which, when theinstruction device issues an instruction for a start of image signalgeneration by the image-capturing device and a start of image filerecording by the recording medium after the decision-making circuit hasdecided that no recording medium is loaded, allows display of thewarning by the third display control circuit to be superimposed on theimage signal generated by the image-capturing device.

[0057] (6) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with an instruction prohibition device that prohibitsthe instruction device from issuing an instruction for a start of imagesignal generation by the image-capturing device and a start of imagefile recording by the image storage device, with the setting circuitstarting to set the first mode when such a prohibition on theinstruction device effected by the instruction prohibition device iscanceled.

[0058] (7) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with an ejection prohibition device that prohibitsejection of the recording medium when the setting circuit is executingsetting the first mode or the second mode.

[0059] (8) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with an interruption circuit that interrupts thesetting operation performed by the setting circuit when the user issuesan instruction for power off while the setting circuit is setting thefirst mode or the second mode and a verification circuit that verifieswith the user in regard to whether or not power is to be turn off. Inthis structure, when the verification circuit has verified that power isto be turned off, the power is turned off, whereas if the verificationcircuit has verified that power is not to be turned off, the settingcircuit continues the setting operation.

[0060] (9) An identification name and the most recent overwrite date onwhich image files were recorded most recently may be recorded for anyrecording medium that has been used at least once. In this case, theinformation recording/reproduction apparatus may be further providedwith a medium information storage device that stores the identificationname, the most recent overwrite date and the recorded contents withrespect to the recording medium that has been loaded, and a searchcircuit that searches for the identification name and the most recentoverwrite date in the recording medium that has been loaded so that thedisplay control circuit allows display of the recorded contents storedin the medium information storage device when the identification nameand the overwrite date searched by the search circuit respectively matchthe identification name and the overwrite date stored in the mediuminformation storage device.

[0061] (10) The recorded contents include at least one of the following:the file name and the file size of each image file and the recordingcapacity of the recording medium.

[0062] (11) When the identification name searched by the search circuitand the identification name stored in the medium information storagedevice match but the most recent overwrite date searched by the searchcircuit and the date stored in the medium information storage device donot match, the search circuit searches for any image files among theimage files recorded in the recording medium that do not match the filesstored in the medium information storage device to store in memory theinformation on these image files that has been searched by the searchcircuit, whereas when neither the identification name or the most recentoverwrite date searched by the search circuit matches the identificationname or the most recent overwrite date stored in the medium informationstorage device, the search circuit searches all the image files recordedin the recording medium and the medium information storage device storesthe information related to the image files searched by the searchcircuit.

[0063] (12) The information recording/reproduction apparatus may befurther provided with an assignment circuit that assigns a specificidentification name to a recording medium that has been loaded for thefirst time.

[0064] The information recording/reproduction method according to thepresent invention, which is adopted in the informationrecording/reproduction apparatus provided with an image-capturing devicethat captures an image of a specific subject and generates acorresponding image signal, a recording circuit that records the imagesignal generated by the image-capturing device in an image storagedevice as an image file and a reproduction circuit that reproduces theimage file stored in the image storage device by the recording circuit,includes a storage step in which the mode that is set when power isturned off is stored as either a first mode related to image signalgeneration or a second mode related to image files recorded in the imagestorage device and a setting step in which either the first mode or thesecond mode is set in conformance to the contents stored during thestorage step when power is turned on.

[0065] The recording medium with a computer program stored thereinaccording to the present invention which is employed for recording thecomputer program utilized in an information recording/reproductionapparatus provided with an image-capturing device that captures an imageof a specific subject and generates a corresponding image signal, arecording circuit that records the image signal generated by theimage-capturing device in an image storage device as an image file and areproduction circuit that reproduces the image file recorded in theimage storage device by the recording circuit, stores processing thereinthat includes a storage step in which the mode that is set when power isturned off is stored as either a first mode related to image signalgeneration or a second mode related to image files recorded in the imagestorage device and a setting step in which either the first mode or thesecond mode is set in conformance to the contents stored during thestorage step when power is turned on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066]FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating the structure of a videocamera adopting the present invention;

[0067]FIG. 2 is a perspective illustrating the structure of the videocamera in FIG. 1, viewed from the rear;

[0068]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal electricalstructure of the video camera in FIG. 1;

[0069]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the startup processing in thevideo camera in FIG. 1;

[0070]FIG. 5 illustrates the initial screen displayed on the LCD 5 inFIG. 2;

[0071]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the recording processing in thevideo camera in FIG. 1;

[0072]FIG. 7 illustrates the recording standby display screen displayedon the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0073] FIGS. 8A˜8G illustrate files in which information is recorded;

[0074]FIG. 9 illustrates a file in which information is recorded;

[0075]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining recording timedisplay processing in the video camera in FIG. 1;

[0076]FIG. 11 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0077]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the reproduction processing inthe video camera in FIG. 1;

[0078]FIG. 13 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0079]FIG. 14 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0080]FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the reproduction endprocessing in the video camera in FIG. 1;

[0081]FIG. 16 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0082]FIG. 17 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0083]FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the erase/edit processing inthe video camera in FIG. 1;

[0084]FIG. 19 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0085]FIG. 20 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0086]FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the continuity processing inthe video camera in FIG. 1;

[0087]FIG. 22 illustrates examples of the remaining capacity timedisplayed in step S34 in FIG. 10;

[0088]FIG. 23 illustrates an image displayed on the LCD 5 in FIG. 2;

[0089]FIG. 24 is a perspective illustrating an example of the externalstructure of a movie camera adopting the informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to the present invention;

[0090]FIG. 25 presents a structural example in which a selector switch111 is provided in the movie camera in FIG. 24;

[0091]FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an example of theelectrical structure of the movie camera in FIG. 24;

[0092]FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation performed by themovie camera;

[0093]FIG. 28 presents a display example of a logo image;

[0094]FIG. 29 presents a structural example in which a photographingmode switch 112 and a disk operation mode switch 113 are provided in themovie camera;

[0095]FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the emergency recordingprocessing;

[0096]FIG. 31 presents an example of display on the camera window;

[0097]FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the no-disk processing;

[0098]FIG. 33 presents an example of a warning display indicating thatno-magneto-optical recording medium 10 is loaded;

[0099]FIG. 34 presents an example of display on the camera window;

[0100]FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the initialization processingfor the camera window;

[0101]FIG. 36 presents an example of display on the camera window andthe disk window;

[0102]FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the initialization processingfor the disk window;

[0103]FIG. 38 presents an example of display on the disk window;

[0104]FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the disk contents displaypreparation processing;

[0105]FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the trigger block releaseprocessing;

[0106]FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the power off processing; and

[0107]FIG. 42 presents an example of a warning display that indicateswhether or not a power-off is to be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0108] —First Embodiment—

[0109]FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspectives showing the external structure of avideo camera adopting the present invention. This video camera comprisesa main body unit 1 and a camera unit 2. In the video camera, the surfacepositioned toward a subject when photographing the subject is referredto as a surface X1 and the surface positioned toward the user isreferred to as a surface X2. At the surface X1 of the camera unit 2, animage-capturing lens 3 that takes in an optical image of the subject anda microphone 4 for collecting audio are provided. It is to be noted thatthe camera unit 2 is rotatably connected to the main body unit 1. As aresult, the user is able to position the taking lens 3 in any directionwhile monitoring the image displayed on a liquid crystal display 5(hereafter referred to as the LCD 5).

[0110] At the surface X2 of the main body unit 1, the LCD 5 thatdisplays an image input from the image-capturing lens 3 or an imagestored at a magneto-optical disk 10, a speaker 6 for outputting arecorded audio, a zoom button 7 that is operated when switching thezooming direction and a start/stop button 8 that is operated whenissuing an instruction for a start or a stop of a specific type ofprocessing are provided.

[0111] On the surface of the LCD 5, a touch panel 9 for outputtingpositional data corresponding to a specified position through a touchoperation is provided. This touch panel 9, which is constituted of atransparent material such as glass or resin, makes it possible for theuser to monitor an image that is displayed on the LCD 5 formed on theinside of the touch panel 9 through the touch panel 9.

[0112] A disk slot 11 in which the magneto-optical disk 10, i.e., arecording medium that stores photographed image data and that allowsrandom access, is inserted, is provided at a side surface Y of the videocamera. In addition, a power/reset button 12 that is operated whenissuing an instruction for turning on the main power or for a reset of aspecific type of processing is provided at an upper surface Z of thevideo camera.

[0113]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal electricalstructure of the video camera in FIG. 1. A lens drive unit 20, which iscontrolled by a signal processing unit 23, drives the image-capturinglens 3 to perform corrections such as focusing or zooming. Animage-capturing element 21 performs photoelectric transfer of an opticalimage of the subject formed via the image-capturing lens 3 to convert itto an image signal (electrical signal) to be output to an A/D conversionunit 22. The A/D conversion unit 22 converts the image signal providedby the image-capturing element 21, which is an analog signal, to adigital signal. The signal processing unit 23 implements exposurecontrol of the image-capturing element 21 (e.g., aperture or auto-gaincontrol), and also executes processing such as white balance correction,gamma correction and the like on the image signal provided by the A/Dconversion unit 22 to be output to a frame memory 24.

[0114] The frame memory 24 stores the image signals provided by thesignal processing unit 23 or a data compression/expansion unit 25 inunits of a specific number of frames. The data compression/expansionunit 25 compresses an image signal read out from the frame memory 24 byadopting the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method and outputs thecompressed data to a buffer memory 26. It also expands an image signalread out from the buffer memory 26 to output the expanded data to theframe memory 24.

[0115] A data access unit 27, which is provided with arecording/reproduction head, drives the loaded magneto-optical disk 10to record an image signal or an audio signal read out from the buffermemory 26 in the magneto-optical disk 10, and it also reads out an imagesignal or an audio signal recorded in the magneto-optical disk 10 foroutput to the buffer memory 26. A loading decision-making unit 28 makesa decision as to whether or not a magneto-optical disk 10 is loaded andoutputs the results of the decision-making to a control unit 34.

[0116] An audio input/output unit 29 outputs audio input through themicrophone 4 to an A/D conversion unit 31 and also outputs an audiosignal provided by a D/A conversion unit 30 to the speaker 6. The D/Aconversion unit 30 converts the audio signal provided by an audio signalprocessing unit 32, which is a digital signal, to an analog signal tooutput to the audio input/output unit 29. The A/D conversion unit 31converts the audio signal provided by the audio input/output unit 29,which is an analog signal, to a digital signal to be output to the audiosignal processing unit 32. The audio signal processing unit 32compresses an audio signal provided by the A/D conversion unit 31 tooutput the compressed data to the buffer memory 26 and also expands anaudio signal read out from the buffer memory 26 to output the expandeddata to the D/A conversion unit 30.

[0117] A display image generating unit 33 generates an image thatcorresponds to the image signal read out from the frame memory 24 andimplements monitor display of the image at the LCD 5. A touch panelinput unit 35 is provided to output an operational signal (positionalsignal) provided through the touch panel 9 to the control unit 34. Anoperating member input unit 36 receives an operational signal from anoperating member such as the zoom button 7, the start/stop button 8, thepower/reset button 12 or the like and outputs the operational signal tothe control unit 34. The control unit 34 implements control of theentire video camera based upon the computer program stored in a storageunit 37. In addition, the control unit 34 is internally provided with atimer (not shown) and is constantly engaged in a time countingoperation. In the storage unit 37, which may be constituted of, forinstance, a ROM, a RAM, an EEPROM or the like (not shown), data,programs and the like required by the control unit 34 for the executionof various types of processing are recorded as necessary. A battery 38supplies power to the various units of the video camera.

[0118] It is to be noted that the data compression/expansion unit 25,the display image generating unit 33, the touch panel input unit 35 andthe control unit 34 are realized through the internal functions of amicroprocessor 40.

[0119] —Startup Processing—

[0120] The startup processing performed in the video camera is nowexplained in reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. In step S1, thecontrol unit 34 makes a decision or judgement as to whether or not thepower/reset button 12 has been pressed based upon a single input throughthe operating member input unit 36, and if it is decided or judged thepower/reset button 12 has not been pressed, the operation remains in astandby state until it is decided that the power/reset button 12 hasbeen pressed. In other words, in this video camera, in order to detectan operation of the power/reset button 12 performed by the user, thestandby power is set to ON at all times. When it is decided that thepower/reset button 12 has been pressed, the operation proceeds to stepS2.

[0121] In step S2, the control unit 34 turns on the drive power for theentire video camera. In step S3, the control unit 34 performsinitialization of the video camera by reading out and executing aspecific computer program stored in the ROM or the like constituting thestorage unit 37. In step S4, through the control implemented by thecontrol unit 34, the display image generating unit 33 generates imageinformation for an initial screen which is then output to the LCD 5. TheLCD 5 displays the initial screen based upon the input imageinformation. In addition, the control unit 34 starts its internal timerto count the length of the non-operating time.

[0122]FIG. 5 presents an example of display of the initial image on theLCD 5. At the center of the initial screen, thumbnail images A1˜A8 aredisplayed. The thumbnail images A1˜A8 are each achieved by reducing thesize of the leading frame of one of the eight scenes (the individualscenes are constituted of a sequence of frames) recorded on themagneto-optical disk 10. The thumbnail images A1˜A8 are displayed in theorder in which they were photographed. On the right hand side of thescreen, a record button B that is operated, i.e., touched, whenspecifying recording processing and an erase/edit button C that isoperated when specifying erase/edit processing are displayed. Inaddition, in the lower left area of the screen, an OFF button D that isoperated, i.e., touched, when turning off the drive source for theentire video camera is displayed.

[0123] To continue with the explanation given in reference to FIG. 4,the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not an instructionfor any processing has been issued by the user in step S5 and if it isdecided that an instruction for processing has been issued, theoperation proceeds to step S6.

[0124] At this point, if (1) the user touches one of thumbnail imagesdisplayed on the LCD 5 twice, (2) the start/stop button 8 is pressed or(3) the start/stop button 8 is pressed after one of thumbnail images hasbeen touched, it is decided that an instruction for reproductionprocessing has been issued. In correspondence to the specific operationthat has been performed among operations (1)˜(3), one of thereproduction modes, i.e., a reproduction mode No. 1, a reproduction modeNo. 2 or a reproduction mode No. 3, to be detailed later, is selected.In addition, if the record button B displayed at the LCD 5 has beentouched, it is decided that an instruction for recording processing hasbeen issued. Furthermore, if the erase/edit button C displayed on theLCD 5 has been touched, it is decided that an instruction for erase/editprocessing has been issued.

[0125] In step S6, the type of processing specified in step S5 among thereproduction processing, the recording processing and the erase/editprocessing is executed.

[0126] —Recording Processing—

[0127]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the recording processing. Instep S11, the video camera is set in a record standby state. Namely, thetaking lens 3 forms an optical image of the subject at theimage-capturing element 21. The image-capturing element 21 performsphotoelectric transfer of the optical image of the subject to convert itto an image signal (electrical signal) and outputs the image signal tothe A/D conversion unit 22. The A/D conversion unit 22 converts theimage signal that is provided by the image-capturing element 21, whichis an analog signal, to a digital signal. The signal processing unit 23executes processing such as white balance correction for the imagesignal that has been provided and outputs the processed signal to theframe memory 24. The frame memory 24 stores the image signal provided bythe signal-processing unit 23 in units of a specific number of frames.The display image-generating unit 33 generates an image that correspondsto the image signal that has been read out from the frame memory 24 andimplements monitor display of the image on the LCD 5.

[0128] In step S12, the remaining recording time display processing isexecuted to display the remaining recording time at the right side ofthe LCD 5, as illustrated in FIG. 7. It is to be noted that details ofthe remaining recording time display processing are given later. In stepS13, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not recordingis currently in progress. If it is decided that recording is notcurrently in progress, the operation proceeds to step S14. In step S14,the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not the start/stopbutton 8 has been pressed. If it is decided the start/stop button 8 hasbeen pressed, the operation proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the datacompression/expansion unit 25 reads out the image signal from the framememory 24, compresses it through the MPEG method and outputs it as a newfile to the buffer memory 26. At this point, the control unit 34 resetsthe internal timer.

[0129] —Image Files—

[0130] Files in which compressed image information is stored areexplained in reference to FIGS. 8A˜8G and 9. In this video camera, imageinformation obtained by photographing continuous scenes over time isdivided into specific recording time units, e.g., into individualone-minute files, to be recorded. Consequently, when a scene 1 lasting 2minutes 30 seconds is photographed, the corresponding image informationis divided and stored into three files FL1˜3, i.e., the files FL1 andFL2, in each of which one minute of image information is stored and thefile FL3, in which 30 seconds of image information is stored, asillustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 9, each file is constituted of a headerportion and a data portion. The header portion contains informationindicating the order in which reproduction is performed, a “precedingfile” field, a “succeeding file” field and the like. For instance, inthe example presented in FIG. 8A, the file FL1 and the file FL3 are eachrecorded with specific timing in the “preceding file” field and the“succeeding file” field respectively of the file FL2. This makes itpossible to reproduce the information in those files continuously evenwhen the files FL1˜3 are recorded at separate locations in themagneto-optical disk 10. Each file is constituted of a plurality offrames and the number of frames constituting a given file is recorded inthe “total frame number” field.

[0132] Any type of information can be entered in a “title” field, a“photographer” field and a “reproduction pointer 1, 2” fields in theheader portion through a specific method, e.g. by reading the file intoa personal computer. In a “thumbnail image” field of the data portion,information corresponding to an image achieved by reducing a still imageof the leading frame of the corresponding scene in the sequence isstored. For instance, in the case of scene 1, the image information ofthe leading frame in the file FL1 is stored. Thus, no image data arestored in the “thumbnail image” fields of the data portions in the filesFL2 and FL3 The “main image” field and “audio” field correspond to theinformation that has been compressed through the MPEG. The SOF (start offile) and the EOF (end of file) respectively represent informationindicating the start and the end of the file.

[0133] —Subsequent Recording Processing—

[0134] To continue with the explanation given in reference to FIG. 6,the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not the start/stopbutton 8 has been pressed in step S16. If it is decided that thestart/stop button 8 has not been pressed, the operation proceeds to stepS17. The control unit 34 makes a decision in step S17 as to whether ornot one minute has elapsed on the timer. If it is decided that oneminute has elapsed on the timer, the operation proceeds to step S18. Instep S18, the data compression/expansion unit 25 records an EOF in thefile that is currently being recorded, i.e., the file into whichinformation is currently being written (old file) and creates a newfile.

[0135] In step S19, a new file name is entered in the “succeeding file”field of the header portion in the old file and the old file name isentered in the “preceding file” field of the header portion in the newfile. In step S20, the control unit 34 resets the timer to startcounting again.

[0136] If it is decided that one minute has not elapsed on the timer instep S17, the operation proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the controlunit 34 measures the quantity of information corresponding to therecorded image, and makes a decision as to whether or not the quantityis equal to or more than a specific quantity. If it is decided that theinformation quantity is more than the specific quantity, the operationreturns to step S22, so that the recording end processing is performedon the file. If it is decided that the information quantity is equal toor less than the specific quantity, the operation returns to step S16.

[0137] If it is decided in step S16 that the start/stop button 8 hasbeen pressed, the operation proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the datacompression/expansion unit 25 stops the compression of the imageinformation. The video camera is set in the record standby state, as instep S11.

[0138] In step S23, an EOF is recorded in the file currently storinginformation (current file). In step S24, an end is recorded in the“succeeding file” field of the header portion of the current file. Instep S25, a thumbnail image is created using the image informationcorresponding to the leading frame of the leading file in the sequenceof scenes to record it in the “thumbnail image” field of the leadingfile.

[0139] In step S26, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the power/reset button 12 has been pressed. If it is decided thatthe power/reset button 12 has been pressed, the operation proceeds tostep S27. In step S27, the record standby state is cleared and theinitial screen (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the LCD 5. If it is decidedin step S26 that the power/reset button 12 has not been pressed, theoperation returns to step S12.

[0140] If it is decided in step S13 that recording is currently inprogress, the operation skips steps S14 and S15. If it is decided instep S14 that the start/stop button 8 has not been pressed, theoperation returns to step S12.

[0141] It is to be noted that while an update is performed to create anew file every time a specific length of time (one minute) has elapsedduring recording in the processing described above, an update may beperformed to create a new file every time a specific memory capacity(e.g., 5 megabytes) is consumed. Alternatively, an update may beperformed to create a new file every time the number of GOPs (group ofpicture) reaches a specific number (e.g., 100 GOPs).

[0142] With dynamic images that are continuous over time divided andrecorded into specific time units, it becomes possible to implementdynamic image editing without requiring a large memory capacity.

[0143] —Remaining Recording Time Display Processing—

[0144] Now, the remaining recording time display processing described inreference to step S12 in FIG. 6 is explained in further detail inreference to the flowchart in FIG. 10. In step S31, the control unit 34controls the data access unit 27 to calculate the remaining capacity inthe magneto-optical disk 10 and store the results of the calculation inthe storage unit 37 as a variable. The remaining capacity is calculatedby adding together the unused capacity with no information entered andthe capacity of files classified as the erase directory (to be detailedlater) and then subtracting a specific work space capacity to be usedfor file copying and the like.

[0145] In step S32, the control unit 34 causes a remaining capacity timefunction f to be stored in the storage unit 37. It is to be noted thatthe remaining capacity time function is achieved by combining a functionf1 in which the remaining capacity is a variable, a function f2 in whichthe record of the storage capacity that has been actually used is avariable, a function f3 in which the characteristics of the subject area variable, a function f4 in which the state of the taking lens 3 (thefocal length value, focus matching length value and the aperture value)is a variable, a function f5 in which the user usage characteristics area variable and a function f6 in which the fragmentation state of theremaining capacity is a variable through fuzzy logic.

[0146] In step S33, the control unit 34 reads out the remaining capacitywhich is a variable, and the remaining capacity time function from thestorage unit 37, and calculates the remaining capacity time (remainingrecording time). In addition, the control unit 34 detects the remainingelectrical capacity at the battery 38 and converts it to a time period.

[0147] In step S34, the control unit 34 controls the LCD 5 to displaythe remaining capacity time and the remaining electrical capacity time,i.e., the remaining power supply time (remaining battery time), asillustrated in FIG. 7 (the record standby state). It is to be noted thatduring recording, “recording” is displayed under the remaining batterytime on the LCD 5, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0148] In step S35, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the remaining capacity time is longer than the remaining batterytime. If it is decided that the remaining capacity time is longer thanthe remaining battery time, the operation proceeds to step S36.

[0149] In step S36, the control unit 34 controls the LCD 5 to displaythe remaining battery time in a flashing display. By flashing theremaining battery time on display for emphasis when the remainingcapacity time is longer than the remaining battery time in this manner,the user is prevented from making an erroneous decision with respect tothe remaining length of time during which he can actually performphotographing. If it is decided in step S35 that the remaining capacitytime is not longer than the remaining battery time, the operation skipsstep S36.

[0150] It is to be noted that alternatively in step S34, only theremaining capacity of the magneto-optical disk 10 (the remainingcapacity time or the remaining recording capacity) may be displayed withthe remaining battery time displayed in step S36. It is also to be notedthat a power saving mode for reducing the power consumption by, forinstance, reducing the display area on the LCD 5, may be selected instep S36.

[0151] The following advantages are achieved by implementing theremaining recording time display processing in FIG. 6.

[0152] (1) Since two types of information, i.e., the available capacityat the magneto-optical disk 10 and the remaining battery time at thebattery 38 (remaining power supply time) are displayed, the user canascertain the length of time during which recording is actually possibleby checking the two types of information.

[0153] (2) Since the remaining recording time for the magneto-opticaldisk 10 and the length of time during which power can be supplied by thebattery 38 are compared and the remaining battery time is displayedflashing if the remaining recording time is longer than the remainingpower supply time, the right type of information can be displayed forthe user.

[0154] (3) Since the remaining recording time at the magneto-opticaldisk 10 is displayed in a mode in which dynamic image data can beerased, the user can verify the remaining recording time even in anerase enabled state so that the length of remaining recording time thatcan be obtained through erasure can be ascertained with ease.

[0155] (4) When dynamic image data that are to be erased are specified,the length of available recording time remaining corresponding to thearea that is obtained after the data erasure is displayed. Thus, thedegree to which the recording time will increase as a result of the dataerasure can be ascertained with ease.

[0156] —Reproduction Processing—

[0157]FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the reproduction processingperformed in the video camera. In step S41, the control unit 34 makes adecision in regard to the method through which the instruction for thereproduction processing was issued in step S5 in FIG. 4.

[0158] Namely, if it is decided that the reproduction processing hasbeen started with one of the thumbnail images A1˜A8 displayed on the LCD5 having been touched twice, the operation proceeds to step S42 to setthe reproduction mode No. 1. In the reproduction mode No. 1, only asequence of scenes corresponding to the thumbnail image that has beentouched twice among the thumbnail images A1˜A8 (e.g., only scene 1 inFIG. 8A) is reproduced.

[0159] If it is decided that the reproduction processing has beenstarted with the start/stop button 8 pressed, the operation proceeds tostep S43 to set the reproduction mode No. 2. In the reproduction modeNo. 2, all the images recorded in the magneto-optical disk 10, e.g., theentire sequence of eight scenes corresponding to the individualthumbnail images A1˜A8 in FIG. 5, i.e., all the scenes, are reproduced.

[0160] If it is decided that the reproduction processing has beenstarted with the start/stop button 8 pressed after one of the thumbnailimages A1˜A8 has been touched, the operation proceeds to step S44 to setthe reproduction mode No. 3. In the reproduction mode No. 3, all theimages that include the thumbnail image that has been touched and thesubsequent images, i.e., the entire scene, are displayed. For instance,if the thumbnail image A4 is touched in the example presented in FIG. 5,the sequence of scenes corresponding to the individual thumbnail imagesA4˜A8 are reproduced.

[0161] In step S45, the image reproduction is started. Namely, throughthe control implemented by the control unit 34, the data access unit 27reads out the image information specified in a step among steps S42˜S44from the magneto-optical disk 10 and output it to the buffer memory 26.The data compression/expansion unit 25 reads out the image informationfrom the buffer memory 26 and expands it before supplying it to theframe memory 24. The display image-generating unit 33 reads the imageinformation from the frame memory 24 and converts it to displayinformation to be provided to the LCD 5. The LCD 5 displays the provideddisplay information at the center of the screen as illustrated in FIG.13, and also displays on the right hand side of the screen afast-forward button E that is operated when issuing an instruction for afast-forward feed and a fast-rewind button F that is operated whenissuing an instruction for a rewind.

[0162] In step S46, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the start/stop button 8 has-been pressed. If it is decided thatthe start/stop button 8 has not been pressed, the operation proceeds tostep S47. In step S47, the control unit 34 makes a decision as towhether or not the fast-forward button E or the fast-rewind button Fdisplayed on the LCD 5 has been operated (touched). If it is decidedthat neither the fast-forward button E nor the fast-rewind button F hasbeen touched, the operation proceeds to step S48.

[0163] In step S48, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the power/reset button 12 has been pressed. If it is decided thatthe power/reset button 12 has not been pressed, the operation proceedsto step S49. In step S49, the control unit 34 makes a decision as towhether or not the image that is currently being reproduced is at thereproduction end position which is predetermined in correspondence tothe reproduction mode. If it is decided that the image is at thereproduction end position, the operation proceeds to step S50. In stepS50, the reproduction end processing for the management of thereproduced file (to be detailed later) is executed.

[0164] If it is decided in step S48 that the power/reset button 12 hasbeen pressed, the operation skips step S49. If it is decided in step S49that the image is not at the reproduction end position, the operationreturns to step S46.

[0165] If it is decided in step S47 that either the fast-forward buttonE or the fast-rewind button F has been touched, the operation proceedsto step S51. In step S51, the control unit 34 suspends the processingfor a specific length of time (e.g., 0.2 seconds) after the fast-forwardbutton E or the fast-rewind button F has been touched in order to avoidan operational error by the user.

[0166] In step S52, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not either the fast-forward button E or the fast-rewind button F isbeing touched. In step S53, through the control implemented by thecontrol unit 34, a fast-forwarding or rewinding image is displayed onthe LCD 5.

[0167] In step S54, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the fast-forward button E or the fast rewind button F has beentouched. If it is decided that either the fast-forward button E or thefast-rewind button F has been touched, the operation proceeds to stepS55. If, on the other hand, it is judged that neither the fast-forwardbutton E nor the fast-rewind button F has been touched, the processingenters a standby state until either the button E or the button F istouched. Namely, the fast-forward or the rewind is continued.

[0168] In step S55, the control unit 34 ends the fast-forward or therewind to start normal reproduction. If it is decided in step S46 thatthe start/stop button 8 has been pressed, the operation proceeds to stepS56. In step S56, a still image is displayed at the center of the LCD 5and a frame feed button G, which is operated when issuing an instructionfor a frame feed and a frame reverse button H, which is operated whenissuing an instruction for a frame reverse are displayed on the righthand side of the screen as illustrated in FIG. 14 through the controlimplemented by the control unit 34.

[0169] In step S57, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the frame feed button G or the frame reverse button H displayedon the LCD 5 has been touched. If it is decided that either the framefeed button G or the frame reverse button H has been touched, theoperation proceeds to step S58. In step S58, a frame feed or framereverse image is displayed on the LCD 5 through the control implementedby the control unit 34.

[0170] In step S59, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the start/stop button 8 has been pressed. If it is decided thatthe start/stop button 8 has been pressed, the operation proceeds to stepS60. In step S60, a dynamic image that has been reproduced in the normalmanner is displayed on the LCD 5 through the control implemented by thecontrol unit 34.

[0171] If it is decided in step S57 that neither the frame feed button Gnor the frame reverse button H has been touched, the operation skipsstep S58. If it is decided in step S59 that the start/stop button 8 hasnot been pressed, the operation returns to step S57.

[0172] The following advantages are achieved by implementing thereproduction processing in FIG. 12.

[0173] (1) By implementing reproduction in the reproduction mode No. 2or the reproduction mode No. 3, dynamic images can be reproduced throughsequential reproduction as in reproduction of dynamic image datarecorded on magnetic tape. In addition, by implementing reproduction inthe reproduction mode No. 1, dynamic images can be reproduced throughrandom reproduction whereby dynamic image data that the user wishes toview can be reproduced in an instant. As a result, the operability ofthe reproduction procedure can be improved.

[0174] (2) Since the operation is switched to the reproduction mode whenstarting power supply through an operation of the start/stop button 8(step 46), the operability is improved.

[0175] (3) With the operation in which the reproduction of dynamicimages is momentarily paused (step S46), the dynamic image reproductionmode is changed to the still image reproduction mode in an instant, sothat the operability is improved.

[0176] (4) As illustrated in FIG. 10, the length of remaining powersupply time of the battery 38 is compared with the remaining recordingtime of the magneto-optical disk 10 to change the method for displayingtime information in correspondence to the results of the comparison, andconsequently, the right type of information is displayed for the user.In particular, by displaying the remaining power supply time flashingwhen the remaining recording time is longer than the remaining powersupply time, good visual representation is achieved.

[0177] (5) Since the operating position in the dynamic imagereproduction mode and the operating position in the still imagereproduction mode are the same, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, animprovement in operability is achieved.

[0178] —Reproduction End Processing—

[0179] The reproduction end processing performed in step S50 is nowexplained in reference to the flowchart in FIG. 15. In the reproductionend processing, files in which image information that has beenreproduced in or before step S50 is stored are classified as protect,erase, hold or unassigned in conformance with an instruction issued bythe user. Files that are to be stored come under the protectclassification into which files that can be read but cannot be erasedare classified. Files that are to be erased come under the erasureclassification into which files that can be overwritten are classified.Files that have been put on hold without being classified for protect orerase come under the hold classification. Files that are not classifiedfor protect, erase or hold come under the unassigned classification andfiles that are to undergo reproduction end processing for the first timeare classified as unassigned.

[0180] In step S61, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not there are any unassigned or hold files among the files of imagesthat have been reproduced in or before step S50. If it is decided thatthere are unassigned or hold files, the operation proceeds to step S62.

[0181] In step S62, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not there are any processing-completed files (protect, erase) or holdfiles mixed among the files of the images that have been reproduced inor before step S50. If it is decided that there is aprocessing-completed file mixed among them, the operation proceeds tostep S63.

[0182] In step S63, the control unit 34 implements control on the LCD 5to display a batch protect button I, a batch erase button J, averification button K and a hold button L as illustrated in FIG. 16. Thebatch protect button I is operated when classifying hold files andunassigned files among reproduced files as protect in a batch. The batcherase button J is operated when classifying hold files and unassignedfiles among the reproduced files as erase in a batch. The verificationbutton K is operated when reproducing an image reproduced in or beforestep S50 again. The hold button L is operated when classifyingreproduced unassigned files as hold.

[0183] In step S64, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the hold button L has been pressed. If it is decided that thehold button L has not been pressed, the operation proceeds to step S65.In step S65, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or notthe verification button K has been pressed. If it is decided that theverification button K has not been pressed, the operation proceeds tostep S66. In step S66, the control unit 34 sets all the hold files andunassigned files as objects for processing.

[0184] In step S67, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not any of the protect or erase buttons has been pressed. If it isdecided that either the batch protect button I or a protect button M (tobe detailed later) has been pressed, the operation proceeds to step S68.In step S68, the control unit 34 classifies the files being processed asprotect. In other words, the attribute of the corresponding files isdefined as read-only.

[0185] In step S69, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not there is any unassigned file among the files in which an imagethat has been reproduced in or before step S50 is stored. If it isdecided that there is no unassigned file present, the control unit 30causes the LCD 5 to display the initial screen (see FIG. 5) beforemaking a return.

[0186] If it is decided in step S65 that the verification button K hasbeen pressed, the operation proceeds to step S70. In step S70, anyunassigned file among the images that have been reproduced in or beforestep S50 are reproduced as an object of processing through controlimplemented by the control unit 34 and are displayed on the LCD 5.

[0187] In step S71, the control unit 34 implements control to cause theLCD 5 to display the protect button M and an erase button N, asillustrated in FIG. 17. The protect button M is operated whenclassifying a file that is the object for processing as protect. Theerase button N is operated when classifying a file that is the object ofprocessing as erase.

[0188] If it is decided in step S67 that either the batch erase button Jor the erase button N has been pressed, the operation proceeds to stepS72. In step S72, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether ornot the image that has been reproduced in step S70 is in the middle ofthe file. If it is decided that the image reproduced in step S70 is inthe middle of the file, the operation proceeds to step S73. In step S73,the continuity processing (to be detailed later) is executed. In stepS74, the file that is the object of processing is placed in the eraseclassification. In other words, the relevant file is moved into theerase directory.

[0189] If it is decided in step S61 that there are no assigned files orhold files, a return is made. If it is decided in step S62 that thereare no processing-completed files mixed in, the operation proceeds tostep S71. If it is decided that in step S64 that the hold button L hasbeen pressed, a return is made. If it is decided that in step S72 thatthe image reproduced in step S70 is not in the middle of the file, theoperation skips step S73.

[0190] By implementing the reproduction end processing illustrated inFIG. 15, in which an inquiry is made of the user with respect to aspecific type of processing to be performed on reproduced dynamic imagedata, e.g., with respect to whether the file is to be protected orerased after the dynamic image data are reproduced, there is no risk ofa specific type of processing being performed on the wrong dynamic imagedata by mistake and an improvement in operability is achieved during anerase operation.

[0191] —Erase/Edit Processing—

[0192]FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the erase/edit processingperformed in the video camera. In step S81, the control unit 34 causesthe LCD 5 to display thumbnail images A1˜A9 at the center of the LCD 5and also causes the LCD 5 to display “erase/edit is in progress” on theright hand side of the screen, as illustrated in FIG. 19. At this point,the user executes an operation similar to the operation for starting thereproduction processing explained earlier (see steps S41˜S44 in FIG.12). In response to the operation by the user, the control unit 34causes image information to be read out from the magneto-optical disk 10for reproduction and causes the LCD 5 to display the image. At thistime, the control unit 34 controls the LCD 5 to display the remainingcapacity time at the magneto-optical disk 10 and the capacity timecorrespondence to the portion to be erased, as illustrated in FIG. 23,instead of bringing up the display for normal reproduction (see FIG.13). Thus, the user can ascertain how much capacity (time) is secured,i.e., how much capacity will be gained by erasing the portion to beerased. In addition, the user can ascertain that an erase/edit is inprogress, as well. The portion to be erased will be detailed later.

[0193] In step S82, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the start/stop button 8 has been pressed or as to whether or notthe image that is being reproduced is at the reproduction end position.If it is decided that the start/stop button 8 has not been pressed andthat the image that is being reproduced is not at the reproduction endposition, the operation proceeds to step S83.

[0194] In step S83, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the dynamic image display area at the touch panel 9, which isprovided on top of the LCD 5 on which the dynamic image is displayed,has been touched. If it is decided that the touch panel 9 has beentouched, the operation proceeds to step S84. This decision-making isimplemented based upon whether or not the start point or the end pointof the portion to be erased in the displayed image has been specified.

[0195] In step S84, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the image on the LCD 5 is being reproduced in color reproductionmode. In this context, the color reproduction mode refers to a mode forreproducing images for which an erase specification has not been made,in which the reproduced images are displayed in color on the LCD 5. Ifit is decided that the LCD 5 is in the color reproduction mode, i.e., ifit is decided that the image that is on display does not constitute aportion to be erased, the operation proceeds to step S85.

[0196] In step S85, the control unit 34 switches from color reproductionmode to monochrome reproduction mode to switch the reproduced image onthe LCD 5 from color display to monochrome display. In this context, themonochrome reproduction mode refers to a mode for reproducing imagesspecified for erase, in which reproduced images are displayed on the LCD5 in monochrome.

[0197] In step S86, the control unit 34 records the timing with whichthe touch panel 9 has been touched in step S83 as the start point of theportion to be erased in a scenario file. The scenario file is a workrecord file which is to be referenced when executing an erase.

[0198] If it is decided in step S84 that the monochrome reproductionmode is set, i.e., if it is decided that the image on displayconstitutes a portion to be erased, the operation proceeds to step S87.In step S87, the control unit 34 switches the setting on the LCD 5 frommonochrome display to color display.

[0199] In step S88, the control unit 34 records the time point onesecond before the timing with which the touch panel 9 has been touchedin step S83 in the scenario file described earlier as the end point ofthe portion to be erased. By setting the time point one second beforethe timing with which the touch panel 9 is touched as the end point ofthe portion to be erased, it becomes possible to prevent the portion tobe erased from becoming excessively long due to a delay in the operationby the user. In addition, the control unit 34 detects the capacity timecorresponding to the portion to be erased and updates the display of thecapacity corresponding to the portion to be erased illustrated in FIG.23.

[0200] If it is decided in step S83 that the touch panel 9 has not beentouched, the operation returns to step S82. If it is decided in step S82that the start/stop button 8 has been pressed or that the image that isbeing reproduced is at the reproduction end position, the operationproceeds to step S89.

[0201] In step S89, the control unit 34 causes the LCD 5 to display aconfirmation button O that is operated when issuing an instruction toerase the portion to be erased, a test mode No. 1 button P that isoperated when images are reproduced by skipping the portion to beerased, a test mode No. 2 button Q that is operated when displaying theportion to be erased in monochrome and displaying portions that are notto be erased in color and an initial screen button R that is operatedwhen returning to the initial screen (see FIG. 5), as illustrated inFIG. 20.

[0202] In step S90, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the confirmation button O has been touched. If it is decided thatthe confirmation button O has been touched, the operation proceeds tostep S91. In step S91, the control unit 34 makes a decision as towhether or not the start point or the end point of the portion to beerased is located in the middle of the file. If it is decided thateither the start point or the end point of the portion to be erased islocated in the middle of the file, the operation proceeds to step S92.In step S92, the continuity processing of the files containing theportion to be erased is executed.

[0203] —Continuity Processing—

[0204] Now, the continuity processing is explained. As described above,image information is stored in files after it is compressed through theMPEG method in the embodiment. In MPEG compression, the quantity ofinformation is compressed by using the image information on a referenceframe used as a reference and recording differential information betweenthe image information on the reference frame and image information on aspecific number of frames succeeding the reference frame as the imageinformation for the specific number of frames. Thus, when dividing afile into two portions at an arbitrary position (frame) as the boundaryfor the division in order to, for instance, erase the first half of thefile and if a frame located in the first half of the file is used as thereference frame for frames near the beginning of the remaining secondhalf (to be stored), it is necessary to record the information on thereference frame in the second half of the file. This processing isreferred to as the continuity processing. Details of the continuityprocessing are now explained using the example illustrated in FIG. 8Band in reference to the flowchart in FIG. 21.

[0205] In step S101, the control unit 34 references the scenario fileand extracts a sequence of scenes including the files containing theportion to be erased to set it as the object of processing. Forinstance, in the example illustrated in FIG. 8B, the scene 3 isextracted since the portion to be erased is present over the filesFL7˜FL9.

[0206] In step S102, the control unit 34 extracts a file in which theportion to be erased is present. In this example, the file FL7 isextracted because the start point of the portion to be erased is in thefile FL7. In step 103, the control unit 34 extracts the portion that isnot to be erased in the file that has been extracted in step S102. Inthe example, the file FL7 a is extracted after the file FL7, which has aplurality of frames, has been divided into a no-erased file FL7 a and anerased file FL7 b. The erased file FL7 b exists between the start pointand end point of the portion to be erased.

[0207] In step S104, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the portion that is not to be erased extracted in step S103 is atthe beginning of the file. In the example, since the file FL7 a is atthe beginning of the file, the operation proceeds to step S105. In stepS105, the control unit 34 copies the file FL7 a extracted in step S103in the buffer memory 26.

[0208] In step S106, the control unit 34 executes termination processingfor the file FL7 a that has been copied in the buffer memory 26, i.e.,the control unit 34 executes a write of the EOF. In step S107, thecontrol unit 34 implements control on the data access unit 27 to recordthe file FL7 a that has undergone the termination processing in themagneto-optical disk 10, as illustrated in FIG. 8C. In step S108, thecontrol unit 34 implements control on the data access unit 27 to enterthe file name of file FL7 b in the “succeeding file” field of the headerportion of the file FL7 a.

[0209] In step S109, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whetheror not the portion not to be erased is remaining in the file extractedin step S102 Since no portion not to be erased is remaining in the fileFL7, the operation proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the control unit34 makes a decision as to whether or not any file in which the startpoint or the end point of the portion not to be erased is present isremaining among the sequence of files extracted in step S101. Since thefile FL9 is still present in the case of this example, the operationreturns to step S102. The file FL9 is extracted in step S102.

[0210] After the file FL9, which has a plurality of frames, has beendivided into an erased file FL9 a and a no-erased file FL9 b, the fileFL9 b is extracted in step S103. In step S104, it is decided that thefile FL9 b does not constitute the beginning of the file and theoperation proceeds to step S112. In step S112, the control unit 34causes the file FL9 extracted in step S102 to be copied in the buffermemory 26.

[0211] In step S113, the control unit 34 implements control on the datacompression/expansion unit 25 to expand the file FL9. In step S114, thecontrol unit 34 implements control of the data compression/expansionunit 25 to perform MPEG compression on the file FL9 b constituting theportion not to be erased extracted from the file FL9. In step S115, thecontrol unit 34 implements control of the data access unit 27 to recordthe file FL 9 b that has undergone MPEG compression in themagneto-optical disk 10.

[0212] In step S108, the control unit 34 implements control of theaccess unit 27 to enter data indicating the file FL 7 a in the“preceding file” field and indicating the file FL10 in the “succeedingfile” field of the header portion of the file FL9 b.

[0213] Since it is decided in step 109 that no portion not to be erasedremains in the file FL9, the operation proceeds to step S110. In stepS110, it is decided that no file in which the start point or the endpoint of the portion not to be erased is present remains in the sequenceof files extracted in step S101 and the operation proceeds to step S111.In step S111, a decision is made as to whether or not a sequence ofscenes containing a file with the portion to be erased is present. Sincesuch a file is not present in this example, a return is made.

[0214] —Subsequent Erase/Edit Processing—

[0215] Now the explanation is given again in reference to FIG. 18. Instep S93, the control unit 34 implements control of the data access unit27 to erase the portion to be erased (the files FL7 b, FL8 and FL9 a inthe example presented in FIG. 8B). In other words, the relevant filesare stored in the erase directory. If it is decided in step S91 thatneither the start point nor the end point of the portion to be erased ispresent in the middle of the file, the operation skips step S92.

[0216] If it is decided in step S90 that the confirmation button O hasnot been touched, the operation proceeds to step S94. In step S94, thecontrol unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not the test mode No.1 button P has been touched. If it is decided the test mode No. 1 buttonP has been touched, the operation proceeds to step S95. In step S95, thecontrol unit 34 reproduces the scenes specified in step S81 by skippingthe portion to be erased and displays them on the LCD 5.

[0217] If it is decided in step S94 that the test mode No. 1 button Phas not been touched, the operation proceeds to step S96. In step S96,the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not the test modeNo. 2 button Q has been touched. If it is decided that the test mode No.2 button Q has been touched, the operation proceeds to step S97. In stepS97, the control unit 34 reproduces in monochrome the portion to beerased and reproduces in color the portion not to be erased among thescenes specified in step S81 and displays them on the LCD 5.

[0218] If it is decided in step S96 that the test mode No. 2 button Qhas not been touched, the operation proceeds to step S98. In step S98,the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not the initialscreen button R has been touched. If it is decided that the initialscreen button R has not been touched, the operation returns to step S90,whereas if it is decided that the initial screen button R has beentouched, the initial screen (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the LCD 5.

[0219] As explained above, through the erase/edit processing, anyportion can be erased in the cases such as when the first half of a fileFL, as illustrated in FIG. 8D constitutes the portion to be erased (“a”indicates the end point of the portion to be erased), when the secondhalf of a file FL, as illustrated in FIG. 8E, constitutes the portion tobe erased (“b” indicates the start point of the portion to be erased)and when FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E are combined in an arbitrary manner, asillustrated in FIGS. 8F and 8G.

[0220] The following advantages are achieved by implementing theerase/edit processing in FIG. 18.

[0221] (1) Since the editing range of dynamic images is specified whenreproducing the dynamic images, the editing range can be set with ease.

[0222] (2) With the editing range and the non-editing range displayeddifferently, the editing range and the non-editing range can bedistinguished from each other with ease.

[0223] (3) Since display is implemented by skipping the specifiedediting range, the state of the dynamic images after the edit operationcan be verified before the edit is performed.

[0224] —Subsequent Startup Processing—

[0225] To continue with the explanation given in reference to FIG. 4, instep S7, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not theOFF button D has been touched. If it is decided that the OFF button Dhas been touched, the operation proceeds to step S8. In step S8, thecontrol unit 34 turns off the drive power source for driving the videocamera. However, the standby power sources for detecting any operationof the power/reset button 12 is in an ON state.

[0226] If it is decided in step S7 that the OFF button D has not beentouched, the operation proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the control unit34 makes a decision as to whether or not a specific length of time haselapsed since the initial screen was displayed in step S4. If it isdecided that the specific length of time has elapsed, the operationproceeds to step S8, whereas if it is decided that the specific lengthof time has not elapsed, the operation returns to step S5.

[0227]FIG. 22 shows examples of the remaining capacity time which isdetermined through a fuzzy logic function in the remaining recordingtime display processing in FIG. 10. The remaining capacity timedisplayed in step S34 in FIG. 10 may be any one of the actual displayminimum, the actual display maximum and the actual display average thatare to be explained below.

[0228] In the elapsed time field in FIG. 22, the length of time that haselapsed since the recording start is displayed. In the assumed Minremaining time field, the remaining recording time when the storagecapacity consumption quantity per unit time is assumed to be the Maxvalue is displayed. In the assumed maximum remaining time field, theremaining recording time when the storage capacity consumption quantityper unit time is assumed to be the minimum value is displayed. In theactual remaining capacity field, the remaining capacity that is actuallymeasured relative to the elapsed time at 0 minute is displayed. In theactual display minimum field, displayed is the remaining recording timewhen the storage capacity consumption quantity per unit time is assumedto be the maximum value and that corresponds to the actual remainingconsumption capacity. It is to be noted that 8.6→9, for instance,indicates that the calculated value is 8.6 with 9 representing a valueachieved by rounding off. In the actual display maximum field, displayedis the remaining recording time when the storage capacity consumptionquantity per unit time is assumed to be the minimum value and thatcorresponds to the actual remaining consumption capacity. In the actualdisplay average field, the average value of the actual display minimumand the actual display maximum is displayed.

[0229] It is to be noted that the computer program that directs thecontrol unit 34 to execute the processing described above is stored inthe storage unit 37. Alternatively, the computer program may be providedfor the user in a state in which it is stored in the magneto-opticaldisk 10 in advance.

[0230] In addition, while the magneto-optical disk 10 is employed as therecording medium for recording compressed image information in thisembodiment, another type of information recording medium that allowsrandom access, e.g., a DVD, may be employed, instead.

[0231] The present invention may be implemented in the following modesas well.

[0232] (1) The remaining recording time display in FIG. 10 may beadopted not only in video cameras but also in all types of imagerecording apparatuses that are driven by a battery and record image datain an internal memory or in an external memory. Such image recordingapparatuses include still cameras, portable information terminalapparatuses and personal computers.

[0233] (2) The method whereby dynamic images are divided for recording,as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 is not restricted to application inthe recording of images captured by video cameras. For instance, themethod may be adopted when dynamic images that are continuously recordedare taken into a personal computer to undergo image editing. Thus, thepresent invention may be adopted in an image processing apparatus thatis not provided with a photographing device, such as a personalcomputer.

[0234] (3) The method of erase/edit processing implemented on dynamicimages illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 21 is not restricted to applicationin editing with a video camera. For instance, it may be adopted whendynamic images are taken into a personal computer for erase/editoperations. As a result, the present invention may be adopted in animage processing apparatus that is not provided with a photographingdevice, such as a personal computer.

[0235] (4) The method of reproduction end processing implemented ondynamic images illustrated in FIG. 15 is not restricted to applicationin reproduction implemented using a video camera. For instance, it maybe adopted when dynamic images are taken into a personal computer toundergo image reproduction. Thus, the present invention may be adoptedin an image processing apparatus that is not provided with aphotographing device, such as a personal computer.

[0236] (5) The method of reproduction processing implemented on dynamicimages illustrated in FIG. 12 is not restricted to application inreproduction implemented using a video camera. For instance, it may beadopted when dynamic images are reproduced on a portable informationterminal apparatus, a notebook type personal computer or the like.Furthermore, the present invention may be adopted when a photographingdevice is mounted on any of these apparatuses.

[0237] —Second Embodiment—

[0238]FIG. 24 is a perspective illustrating the external structure of amovie camera employing the information recording/reproduction apparatusaccording to the present invention. At the front surface of a main body101, a liquid crystal display unit 104A is provided, with a touch panel104B that outputs a positional signal corresponding to the positionspecified through a user touch operation mounted on the front surface ofthe liquid crystal display unit 104A. The touch panel 104B isconstituted of a transparent material such as glass or resin so that theuser can see images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 104Aformed inside the touch panel 104B via the touch panel 104B.

[0239] In addition, at the front surface of the main body 101, a powerswitch (main switch) 105, a dynamic image record button 106 for issuingan instruction for a start of dynamic image recording and a zoom button108 which is operated when switching the zoom setting, are provided. Atthe upper surface of the main body 101, a still image record button 107for issuing an instruction for a start of still image recording isprovided. It is to be noted that the dynamic image record button 106 andthe still image record button 107 are collectively referred to as thetrigger buttons, as necessary. At a side surface (the right side surfacein the figure) of the main body 101, a slot 9 where a magneto-opticalrecording medium 10 that can be inserted and ejected freely, such as anMO (magneto-optical) disk, is loaded, is provided. It is to be notedthat when the magneto-optical recording medium 10 is loaded while poweris in an off state, the power is turn on.

[0240] In addition, a camera unit 102 is rotatably mounted at the mainbody 101, and the camera unit 102 can be secured at any position overthe 360° range. Thus, the user can photograph from various angles whilemonitoring the subject displayed on the liquid crystal display unit104A.

[0241] It is to be noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 25, a selectorswitch 111 for switching between a state in which the dynamic imagerecord button 106 can be operated and a state in which it cannot beoperated may be provided at the main body 101. In this example, when thelever of the selector switch 111 is switched to the “standby” position,an operation of the dynamic image record button 106 is validated, i.e.,the operation of the dynamic image record button 106 is accepted,whereas when the lever is switched to the “lock (trigger lock)”position, any operation of the dynamic image record button 106 isinvalidated, i.e., the operation is not accepted. This prevents anyerroneous operation from occurring when the dynamic image record button106 is inadvertently operated.

[0242]FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internalelectrical structure of the movie camera in FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is similarto FIG. 3 illustrating the first embodiment, and the same referencenumbers are assigned to similar components to preclude the necessity forrepeated explanation thereof. In a storage unit 37, data, programs andthe like that are required for the execution of various types ofprocessing by a control unit 34 are recorded as necessary, and the modethat has been executed (the photographing mode, the disk operation modeor both) when power is turned off is stored in the storage unit 37 aswell. Then when power is turned on, the control unit 34 sets a mode incorrespondence to the memory contents in the storage unit 37.

[0243] —Movie Camera Operation Processing—

[0244] Next, in reference to FIG. 27, the operation of the movie camerain FIG. 26 is explained. First, in step S211, a decision is made as towhether or not a magneto-optical recording medium 10 has been loaded. Ifit is decided that the magneto-optical recording medium 10 has beenloaded, the operation proceeds to step S213. In other words, this turnsthe power on. If it is decided in step S211 that no-magneto-opticalrecording medium 10 has been loaded, the operation proceeds to step S212to make a decision as to whether or not the power switch 105 has beenoperated. If it is decided in step S212 that the power switch 105 hasnot been operated, the operation returns to step S211 to executesubsequent processing.

[0245] If, on the other hand, it is decided in step S212 that the powerswitch 105 has been operated, the operation proceeds to step S213, inwhich the control unit 34 implements control on the display imagegenerating unit 33 to display a logo image (initial image) stored in thestorage unit 37 on the liquid crystal display 104A. FIG. 28 presents anexample of a logo image that may be displayed at this point. In stepS214, the control unit 34 makes a decision as to whether or not atrigger button (either the dynamic image record button 106 or the stillimage record button 107) has been operated, and if it is decided that atrigger button has been operated, the operation proceeds to step S215 toexecute the emergency recording processing (to be detailed later inreference to FIG. 30).

[0246] If it is decided in step S214 that no trigger button has beenoperated, the operation proceeds to step S216 to make a decision as towhether or not a magneto-optical recording medium 10 has been loaded. Ifit is decided in step S216 that no-magneto-optical recording medium 10has been loaded, the operation proceeds to step S217 to execute theno-disk processing, i.e., the no-magneto-optical medium processingbefore proceeding to step S218. The no-magneto-optical recording mediumprocessing is to be detail later in reference to FIG. 32. If it isdecided in step S216 that the magneto-optical recording medium 10 hasbeen loaded, the operation proceeds to step S218 to prohibit ejection ofthe magneto-optical recording medium 10. In step S218, the control unit34 detects the mode stored in the storage unit 37, i.e., either thephotographing mode or the disk operation mode.

[0247] In step S220, the control unit 34 sets the detected mode to ON,i.e., the control unit 34 starts up the detected mode, and in step S221,it initializes the camera window and disk window. It is to be noted thatif it is not clear which mode has been previously set, the control unit34 sets both the photographing mode and the disk operation mode to ON.

[0248] For the purpose of mode detection implemented in this process, aswitch (CAMERA switch) 112 corresponding to the photographing mode and aswitch (DVR switch) 113 corresponding to the disk operation mode, forinstance, may be provided at the movie camera, as illustrated in FIG.29. With this structure, the corresponding mode can be turned on or offdepending upon whether or not the switches are in an on or off state. Inaddition, the photographing mode may be set to ON without fail wheneverthe lever of the selector switch 111 illustrated in FIG. 25, forinstance, is at the standby position. Details of this point areexplained later in reference to FIG. 40.

[0249] —Emergency Recording Processing—

[0250]FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the emergency recordingprocessing performed in step S215 in FIG. 27. First, in step S231, thecontrol unit 34 starts operation of the individual units, i.e., the lensdrive unit 20˜the signal processing unit 23. In other words, a sourcevoltage supply to the lens drive unit 20˜the signal processing unit 23starts. With this, image signals corresponding to the optical images ofthe subject taken in from the image-capturing lens 103 are sequentiallystored in the frame memory 24. Next, the operation proceeds to step S232to make a decision as to whether or not a magneto-optical recordingmedium 10 has been loaded. If it is decided that no-magneto-opticalrecording medium 10 has been loaded, the no-disk processing is executedin step S233 before the operation proceeds to step S234.

[0251] If it is decided in step S232 that a magneto-optical recordingmedium 10 has been loaded, the operation proceeds to step S234 to make adecision as to whether or not the camera window is on display. If it isdecided in step S234 that the camera window is on display, the operationproceeds to step S236. If, on the other hand, it is decided in step S234that the camera window has not been brought up on display yet, theoperation proceeds to step S235 in which the control unit 34 implementscontrol of the display image generating unit 33 to display the camerawindow on the entire screen of the liquid crystal display unit 104A. Inthe following explanation, the display implemented over the entirescreen is referred to as full screen display. Through this process, theimage of the subject is displayed on the camera window.

[0252]FIG. 31 presents an example of the camera window display in thisprocess. In the example, the remaining photographing time is displayedin an area 41 of the camera window, with the details of the mode thathas been set (photographing setting) displayed in an area 42. This pointwill be detailed later in reference to FIG. 35. A dynamic image recordbutton 43 is operated when starting dynamic image (movie) recording,whereas a still image record button 44 is operated when starting stillimage (still) recording. A stop button 45 is operated when stopping arecording operation. It is to be noted that a trigger button, i.e.,either the dynamic image record button 106 or the still image recordbutton 107, is given priority in starting a recording operation.

[0253] To continue with the explanation given in reference to FIG. 30,in step S236, compression of an image signal or an audio signal starts,and then the operation proceeds to step S237 in which the recording ofthe image signal or the audio signal into the magneto-optical recordingmedium 10 starts. Subsequently, the operation is performed in the normalrecording mode.

[0254] —Non-Disk Processing—

[0255]FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the non-disk processingperformed in step S217 in FIG. 27 and in step S233 in FIG. 30. First, instep S241, the control unit 34 implements control on the displayimage-generating unit 33 to display a warning indicating that no-diskhas been loaded. FIG. 33 presents an example of a warning displayimplemented at this point. In this example, a message “no disk” isdisplayed, with a camera icon 51 and a disk icon 52 also on display. Thecamera icon 51 indicates the camera window, and in this state, no sourcevoltage is supplied to the individual portions of the camera unit 102(the lens drive unit 20˜the signal processing unit 23). Thus, wastefulconsumption of power can be prevented. Likewise, the disk icon 52 is anicon corresponding to the disk window. The camera icon 51 or the diskicon 52 is displayed when the camera window or the disk window is not ondisplay.

[0256] Next, the operation proceeds to step S242 to make a decision asto whether or not a trigger button has been operated continuously over aspecific length of time. If it is decided that a trigger button has beenoperated continuously over the specific length of time, the operationproceeds to step S243 in which the control unit 34 executes a cameramonitor mode. In more specific terms; the control unit 34 implementscontrol of the display image generates unit 33 to implement monitordisplay of an image of the subject. However, the image signals are notrecorded. FIG. 34 presents an example of display that may be implementedat this time. In the example, neither the dynamic image record button 43nor the still image record button 44 is displayed, and the message “nodisk” indicating that no-disk is loaded is displayed in an area 46.Then, the operation proceeds to step S244 to make a decision as towhether or not a magneto-optical recording medium 10 has been loaded. Ifit is decided that no-magneto-optical recording medium 10 has beenloaded yet, the operation returns to step S243 to execute subsequentprocessing. If it is decided in step S244 that a magneto-opticalrecording medium 10 has been loaded, the operation returns to step S218in FIG. 27 or step S234 in FIG. 30.

[0257] If it is decided in step S242 that no trigger button has beenoperated continuously over the specific length of time, the operationproceeds to step S245 to make a decision as to whether or not amagneto-optical recording medium 10 has been loaded. If it is decidedthat no-magneto-optical recording medium 10 has been loaded yet, theoperation returns to step S241 to execute subsequent processing. If itis decided in step S245 that a magneto-optical recording medium 10 hasbeen loaded, the operation returns to step S218 in FIG. 27 or step S234in FIG. 30.

[0258] —Camera Window Initialization Processing—

[0259] Next, the camera window or disk window initialization processingimplemented in step S221 in FIG. 27 is explained. It is to be noted thatthe camera window initialization processing and the disk windowinitialization processing can be executed simultaneously throughmultitasking. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the initializationprocessing for the camera window. First, in step S51, a decision is madeas to whether or not the photographing mode is set to ON, and if it isdecided that the photographing mode is not set to ON, the operationproceeds to step S252 in which the control unit 34 implements control onthe display image generating unit 33 to display the camera icon 51before ending the processing.

[0260] If it is decided in step S251 that the photographing mode is setto ON, the operation proceeds to step S253 in which the control unit 34implements control on the display image generating unit 33 to displaythe camera window and the disk window as a photographing setting screen.FIG. 36 presents an example of display that may be implemented at thispoint. In the example, the details of the photographing setting aredisplayed in the area 42 of the camera window. The remaining recordingtime is displayed in an area 51 of the disk window, with the thumbnails(representative images or reduced images) in regard to the contentsrecorded in the magneto-optical recording medium 10 or the scenario(text) displayed in an area 52. A scroll button 53 is operated whenscrolling the display in the area 52. A command button 54 is operatedwhen executing commands such as reproduction, stop, pause, fast-forward,rewind and the like. A delete button 55 is operated when deleting animage file corresponding to the thumbnail that has been selected. Anedit button 56 is operated when performing a specific type of editing.

[0261] With the photographing setting displayed on the camera windowdisplay and display in regard to the contents of the magneto-opticalrecording medium 10 brought up in the disk window in this manner, theuser can verify the previous photographing setting and the contents inthe disk, i.e., the magneto-optical recording medium 10.

[0262] Next, the operation proceeds to step S254 to make a decision asto whether or not a trigger button has been operated, and if it isdecided that a trigger button has been operated, the operation proceedsto step S255 to execute the emergency recording processing illustratedin FIG. 30. If it is decided in step S254 that no trigger button hasbeen operated, a decision is made in step S256 as to whether or not apredetermined length of time has elapsed, and if it is decided that thepredetermined length of time has not elapsed yet, the operation returnsto step S253 to sustain a state in which the photographing settingscreen is on display until the predetermined length of time has elapsed.If it is decided in step S256 that the predetermined length of time haselapsed, the operation proceeds to step S257 to make a decision as towhether or not the disk operation mode has been set to ON. If it isdecided in step S257 that the disk operation mode has been set to ON,the operation proceeds to step S259.

[0263] If it is decided in step S257 that the disk operation mode hasnot been set to ON, the operation proceeds to step S258 in which thecontrol unit 34 implements control on the display image generating unit33 to implement full screen display of the camera window (see FIG. 31).Next, the operation proceeds to step S259 to make a decision as towhether or not the photographing setting display is set to constant ON.The constant ON or OFF setting for the photographing setting display canbe set by the user in advance. If it is decided that the photographingsetting display is set to constant ON, the initialization processingends. If it is decided that the photographing setting display is not setto constant ON, the operation proceeds to step S60 in which the controlunit 34 implements control on the display image generating unit 33 toerase the photographing setting display.

[0264] —Disk Window Initialization Processing—

[0265]FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the disk window initializationprocessing. First, in step S271, a decision is made as to whether or notthe photographing mode has been set to ON, and if it is decided that thephotographing mode has not been set to ON, the operation proceeds tostep S275. If, on the other hand, it is decided in step S271 that thephotographing mode has been set to ON, the operation proceeds to stepS272 to execute the disk contents display preparation processing. Thisprocessing will be detailed later in reference to FIG. 39. In step S273,the control unit 34 implements control of the display image generatingunit 33 to display the camera window and the disk window and to displaythe disk contents that have been prepared in the storage unit 37 on thedisk window (see FIG. 36). Next, in step S274, a decision is made as towhether or not a predetermined length of time has elapsed. If it isdecided that the predetermined length of time has not elapsed yet, theoperation returns to step S273 to repeat the processing until thepredetermined length of time has elapsed. If it is decided in step S274that the predetermined length of time has elapsed, the operationproceeds to step S275 to make a decision as to whether or not the diskoperation mode has been set to ON. If it is decided in step S275 thatthe disk operation mode has not been set to ON, the control unit 34implements control on the display image-generating unit 33 in step S276to display the disk icon 52 before ending the processing.

[0266] If it is decided in step S275 that the disk operation mode hasbeen set to ON, the operation proceeds to step 277 to make a decision asto whether or not the photographing mode has been set to ON. If it isdecided in step S277 that the photographing mode has been set to ON, theoperation proceeds to step S279. If, on the other hand, it is decided instep S277 that the photographing mode has not been set to ON, theoperation proceeds to step S278 in which the control unit 34 implementscontrol on the display image generating unit 33 to implement full screendisplay of the disk window. FIG. 38 presents an example of a displaythat may be implemented at this time. Next, in step S279, theprohibition of ejection of the magneto-optical recording medium 10 islifted.

[0267] —Disk Contents Display Preparation Processing—

[0268]FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the disk contents displaypreparation processing implemented in step S272 in FIG. 37. First, instep S291, the data access unit 27 performs a search for theidentification name and the most recent overwrite date of amagneto-optical recording medium 10. Identification names in themagneto-optical recording medium 10 comprises an identification portionfor identifying the movie camera (a camera identification portion) andan identification portion for identifying the disk (a diskidentification portion). It is to be noted that the identification namecan be specified by the user. For instance, identification names may bemanaged by using a management file having a disk identification portion.In step S292, a decision is made as to whether or not an identificationname is present in the magneto-optical recording medium 10, i.e.,whether or not a search has been performed, and if it is decided that noidentification name is present, i.e., that a search has not beenperformed, the operation proceeds to step S293, in which the controlunit 34 registers a new identification name in the storage unit 37constituted of, for instance, a RAM, and records (writes) the newidentification name in the magneto-optical recording medium 10 beforethe operation proceeds to step S295.

[0269] If it is decided in step S292 that an identification name ispresent, i.e., that a search has been performed, the operation proceedsto step S294 to make a decision as to whether or not the identificationname matches an identification name registered in the storage unit 37.If it is decided that the identification name does not match anidentification name registered in the storage unit 37, the operationproceeds to step S295 in which the data access unit 27 searches thecontents of the magneto-optical recording medium 10 and the control unit34 registers the file name and its thumbnail obtained through the searchin the storage unit 37 before the operation proceeds to step S298.

[0270] If it is decided in step S294 that the identification namematches one registered in the storage unit 37, the operation proceeds tostep S296 to make a decision as to whether or not the most recentoverwrite date matches the one registered in the storage unit 37. If itis decided that the most recent overwrite date does not match a dateregistered in the storage unit 37, the operation proceeds to step S297In step S297, the data access unit 27 searches for a non-matching fileand the control unit 34 registers the file name and the thumbnail of thenon-matching file thus searched in the storage unit 37 before theoperation proceeds to step S298.

[0271] If it is decided in step S296 that the most recent overwrite datematches a date registered in the storage unit 37, the operation proceedsto step S298 to prepare the contents of the storage unit 37 as diskcontents display data.

[0272] —Trigger Lock Release Processing—

[0273] Now, the operation performed by the information processingapparatus when the trigger lock is released by the user switching theposition of the lever of the selector switch 111 to the standby positionin a state in which the power to the movie camera is turned on, forinstance, is explained in reference to FIG. 40. First, in step S301, adecision is made as to whether or not the photographing mode has beenset to ON, and if it is decided that the photographing mode has been setto ON, the processing ends. If it is decided in step S301 that thephotographing mode has not been set to ON, the operation proceeds tostep S302 in which the control unit 34 sets the photographing mode to onand in step S303, the camera window initialization processingillustrated in FIG. 35 is executed.

[0274] —Power Off Processing—

[0275] Next, the operation of the movie camera performed when the powerswitch 105 is turned off is explained. In step S311, a decision is madeas to whether or not a specific type of processing is currently beingexecuted. If it is decided that no processing is currently beingexecuted, the operation proceeds to step S314. If it is decided in stepS311 that a specific type of processing is being executed, a decision ismade in step S312 as to whether or not it is possible to interrupt theprocessing. For instance, if the processing performed in units of GOPs(group of picture) is finished or if a disk access has been completedduring a recording or reproduction operation, the processing can beinterrupted. If it is decided in step S312 that the processing cannot beinterrupted, the operation is set to a standby state in step S313 beforereturning to step S312. Namely, if GOP processing has not been finishedor if a disk access is in progress, it is decided that the processingcannot be interrupted.

[0276] If it is decided in step S312 that the processing performed inunits of GOPs has been finished or a disk access has been completed,i.e., if it is decided that the processing can be interrupted, thecontrol unit 34 implements control on the display image generating unit33 in step S314 to display a warning that indicates whether or not powercan be turned off, as illustrated in FIG. 42, for instance. In thedisplay example presented in FIG. 42, a message, “power off OK?” abutton 61 to specify that a power-off is to be executed and a button 62to specify that a power-off is to be canceled are displayed. Then theoperation proceeds to step S315 to make a decision as to whether or notthe user has operated the button 61, and if it is decided that thebutton 61 has been operated, the control unit 34 stores whether thephotographing mode or the disk operation mode has been set to ON in thestorage unit 37 before turning off the power in step S317.

[0277] If it is decided in step S315 that a button 61 has not beenoperated, the operation proceeds to step S318 to make a decision as towhether or not the user has operated the button 62, and if it is decidedthat the button 62 has not been operated, the operation returns to stepS314 to execute the subsequent processing. If it is decided in step S318that the button 62 has been operated, the control unit 34 implementscontrol of the display image-generating unit 33 in step S319 to erasethe warning display. Then, in step S320, a decision is made as towhether or not there is any processing that has been interrupted. If itis decided that no processing has been interrupted, i.e., that noprocessing was being executed, or that the processing has beencompleted, the power off processing ends. If it is decided in step S320that there is processing that has been interrupted, the operationproceeds to step S321 in which the control unit 34 resumes execution ofthe interrupted processing.

[0278] It is to be noted that the computer program that executes thevarious types of processing described above may be provided to the uservia a recording medium such as a magnetic disk or a CD ROM, or it may beprovided to the user via a provider medium such as a network so that itcan be recorded in an internal RAM or a hard disk as necessary for use.

[0279] As explained above, in the information reproduction apparatus inthe second embodiment, the mode that is set at the point in time whenpower is turned off, i.e., the photographing mode related to thegeneration of image signals (the first mode), the disk operation moderelated to image files recorded at the recording medium (the secondmode) or both of these modes, is stored and when the power is turned on,the photographing mode or the disk operation mode is set incorrespondence to the contents that have been thus stored. This makes itpossible for the user to, for instance, continuously use the mode thatwas set for the previous operating session.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image recording apparatus comprising: aconversion device that converts an optical image of a subject to anelectrical signal; a recording circuit that records the electricalsignal achieved through a conversion performed by said conversion devicein a storage device as image data; and a display control circuit thatdetects available capacity at said storage device and a length of timethat power supply by a source is possible and displays the availablecapacity and the length of time on a display as available capacityinformation and remaining power supply time information.
 2. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein; said availablecapacity information indicates length of available recording timeremaining at the available capacity that has been detected.
 3. An imagerecording apparatus comprising: a conversion device that converts anoptical image of a subject to an electrical signal; a recording circuitthat records the electrical signal achieved through conversion performedby said conversion device in a storage device as image data; and adisplay control circuit that detects a length of time that informationcan be recorded in said storage device and the length of time that powersupply by a source is possible and displays a remaining recording timeor a remaining power supply time on a display in correspondence to theresults of a comparison of the remaining recording time and theremaining power supply time.
 4. An image recording apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein; said display control circuit indicates theremaining power supply time on the display when the remaining powersupply time is shorter than the remaining recording time.
 5. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein; when the remainingrecording time is longer than the remaining power supply time, theremaining power supply time is displayed flashing.
 6. An image recordingapparatus comprising; a conversion device that converts an optical imageof a subject to an electrical signal; a recording circuit that recordsthe electrical signal achieved through a conversion performed by saidconversion device in a storage device as image data; and a displaycontrol circuit that displays the length of time that information can berecorded at said storage device on a display when dynamic image datarecorded in said storage device are set to be erased.
 7. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein; said display controlcircuit displays on said display the length of time that information canbe recorded, which increases in correspondence to the volume of dynamicimage data set to be erased.
 8. A dynamic image processing apparatuscomprising: an image processing circuit that receives data of dynamicimages that are continuous over time, forms divisional specific units ofdynamic images, compresses and record each of the dynamic images in thedivisional specific units thus formed as different files in a storagedevice.
 9. A dynamic image processing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein: said image processing circuit forms each divisional specificunits of the dynamic images every specific time or specific dataquantity.
 10. A dynamic image processing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein: said image processing circuit forms each divisional specificunits of the dynamic images which contains a specific number of GOPs tobe compressed by adopting the MPEG method.
 11. A dynamic imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: said imageprocessing circuit also records information indicating continuity overtime of a plurality of dynamic image files that have been divisionallyformed.
 12. A dynamic image processing apparatus according to claim 8,further comprising: a photographing device that photographs a movingobject to form dynamic images, wherein; said image processing circuitprocesses data of the dynamic images photographed by said photographingdevice to be compressed and recorded.
 13. A dynamic image reproductionapparatus comprising: a reproduction circuit that reproduces a pluralityof sets of image data that are recorded in a storage device and areconstituted of a plurality of sets of dynamic image data that arecontinuous over time; and a reproduction control circuit that selectseither a first reproduction mode for reproducing only selected sets ofimage data among the plurality of sets of image data or a secondreproduction mode for sequentially reproducing the plurality of sets ofimage data in a specific order and controls said reproduction circuit toensure that the dynamic images are reproduced in correspondence to areproduction mode that has been selected.
 14. A dynamic imagereproduction apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: areproduction instruction device that issues an instruction forreproduction of the dynamic image data; and a data selection device forselecting one set of image data among the plurality of sets of imagedata stored in said storage device, wherein; said reproduction controlcircuit controls said reproduction circuit to ensure that selected imagedata are reproduced when said data selection device is operated and theplurality of sets of image data are sequentially reproduced in thespecific order when said reproduction instruction device is operated.15. A dynamic image reproduction apparatus according to claim 14,wherein: said reproduction control circuit controls said reproductioncircuit so that when image data are first selected by said dataselection device and then an instruction for a reproduction start isissued by said reproduction instruction device, the image data selectedby said data selection device are reproduced and then image datafollowing the image data are sequentially reproduced.
 16. A dynamicimage reproduction apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the imagedata are sequentially reproduced in the chronological order in which theimage data were photographed.
 17. A dynamic image recording apparatuscomprising: a photographing device that photographs a moving object toform dynamic images; a recording circuit that records the dynamic imagesin a storage device; a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamicimages recorded in said storage device; a display device that displaysthe dynamic images reproduced by said reproduction circuit; and aspecification device that specifies on said display an editing range forthe dynamic images reproduced by said reproduction circuit.
 18. Adynamic image recording apparatus comprising: a photographing devicethat photographs a moving object to form dynamic images; a recordingcircuit that records the dynamic images in a storage device; areproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamic images recorded in saidstorage device; a display device that displays the dynamic imagesreproduced by said reproduction circuit; a specification device thatspecifies on said display an editing range for the dynamic imagesreproduced by said reproduction circuit; and a display control circuitthat controls said reproduction circuit so that the dynamic imageswithin the editing range specified by said specification device and anon-editing range are displayed in a distinct manner when saidreproduction circuit reproduces the dynamic images to be displayed onsaid display.
 19. A dynamic image recording apparatus comprising: aphotographing device that photographs a moving object to form dynamicimages; a recording circuit that records the dynamic images in a storagedevice; a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamic imagesrecorded in said storage device; a display device that displays thedynamic images reproduced by said reproduction circuit; a specificationdevice that specifies on said display an editing range for the dynamicimages reproduced by said reproduction circuit; and a reproductioncontrol circuit that controls said reproduction circuit to ensure thatthe dynamic images of non-editing ranges preceding and following theediting range are continuously displayed when said reproduction circuitreproduces the dynamic images to be displayed on said display, byskipping the dynamic images of the editing range specified by saidspecification device.
 20. A dynamic image recording apparatus accordingto claim 17, wherein: said specification device that specifies a rangefor the dynamic images to be erased.
 21. A dynamic image reproductionapparatus comprising: a reproduction circuit that reproduces the dynamicimage data recorded in a storage device; and a means for inquiry thatinquires of a user as to whether or not a specific type of processing isto be performed on the dynamic image data reproduced by saidreproduction circuit after said reproduction circuit reproduces thedynamic image data.
 22. A dynamic image reproduction apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein: said specific type of processing is processing inwhich the dynamic image data reproduced by said reproduction circuit areerased or processing in which erase is disabled.
 23. A dynamic imagereproduction apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: adecision-making circuit that makes a decision as to whether or not saidspecific type of processing is in progress on the dynamic image datareproduced by said reproduction circuit.
 24. A dynamic imagereproduction apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: adisplay that displays information, wherein: said means for inquirycauses said display to display an inquiry.
 25. A dynamic image recordingapparatus comprising: a mode selector device that switches between arecording mode and a reproduction mode; a photographing device thatphotographs a moving object to form dynamic images; a reproductioncircuit that reproduces dynamic image data stored in a storage device insaid reproduction mode; and an instruction device for issuing aninstruction for a power supply start through a user operation, wherein:said mode selector device switches to said reproduction mode when thepower supply is started through an operation of said instruction device.26. A dynamic image reproduction apparatus comprising: a reproductionmode selector device that switches said reproduction mode between adynamic image reproduction mode that reproduces dynamic images and astill image reproduction mode that reproduces still images; and aninstruction device operated by a user to issue an instruction for apause in dynamic image reproduction in the dynamic image reproductionmode, wherein; in response to the user operation of said instructiondevice, the reproduction mode selector device switches from said dynamicimage reproduction mode to said still image reproduction mode.
 27. Adynamic image reproduction apparatus comprising: a reproduction modeselector device that switches a reproduction mode between a dynamicimage reproduction mode for reproducing dynamic images and a still imagereproduction mode for reproducing still images; an instruction deviceoperated by a user to issue an instruction for fast-forwarding thedynamic images in said dynamic image reproduction mode; and areproduction circuit that achieves frame feed reproduction of the stillimages in response to a user operation of said instruction device insaid still image reproduction mode.
 28. A dynamic image reproductionapparatus comprising: a reproduction mode selector device that switchesa reproduction mode between a dynamic image reproduction mode forreproducing dynamic images and a still image reproduction mode forreproducing still images; an instruction device operated by a user toissue an instruction for rewinding the dynamic images in the dynamicimage reproduction mode; and a reproduction circuit that achieves framereverse reproduction of the still images in response to a user operationof said instruction device in said still image reproduction mode.
 29. Aninformation recording/reproduction apparatus comprising: animage-capturing device that captures images of a specific subject andgenerates a corresponding image signal; a recording circuit that recordsthe image signal generated by said image-capturing device in an imagestorage device as image files; a reproduction circuit that reproducesthe image files recorded in said image storage device by said recordingcircuit; a mode storage device that, when power is turned off, storesinformation as to which mode is set, at least a first mode related tothe generation of the image signal or a second mode related to the imagefiles recorded in said image storage device; and a setting circuit thatsets either the first mode or the second mode in conformance to theinformation stored in said mode storage device when power is turned on.30. An information recording/reproduction apparatus according to claim29, further comprising: a first display control circuit that displayssetting details related to the generation of the image signal by theimage-capturing device when the setting circuit is executing setting forthe first mode; and a second display control circuit that displays arepresentative image or a file name of a representative file among imagefiles recorded in the image storage device when the setting circuit isexecuting the setting for the second mode.
 31. An informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 30, wherein: whenpower is turned on and the setting circuit sets the first mode or thesecond mode in correspondence to the information stored in said modestorage device, said second display control circuit displays therepresentative images or the file names of the image files, and when theinformation stored in said mode storage device indicate the first mode,said second display control circuit erases the representative image orthe file name after a specific length of time has elapsed.
 32. Aninformation recording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 29,further comprising: an instruction device that issues an instruction foran emergency start of generation of the image signal by saidimage-capturing device and image file recording in said image storagedevice when the first mode or the second mode is set by the settingcircuit.
 33. An information recording/reproduction apparatus accordingto claim 29, wherein said image storage device is constituted of arecording medium that can be freely loaded into or ejected from anapparatus main body, and said apparatus further comprises: adecision-making circuit that makes a decision as to whether or not arecording medium is loaded when the first mode or the second mode hasbeen set by said setting circuit; and a third display control circuitthat displays a warning indicating that no recording medium is loadedwhen said decision-making circuit has decided that no recording mediumhas been loaded.
 34. An information recording/reproduction apparatusaccording to claim 33, further comprising: a fourth display controlcircuit which, when the instruction device issues an instruction for astart of generation of the image signal by said image-capturing deviceor a start of image file recording in said recording medium after saiddecision-making circuit has decided that no recording medium is loaded,displays the warning by said third display control circuit superimposedon the image generated by said image-capturing device.
 35. Aninformation recording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 32,further comprising: an instruction prohibition device that prohibitssaid instruction device from issuing an instruction for a start ofgeneration of an image signal by said image-capturing device and imagefile recording in said image storage device, wherein said settingcircuit starts to set the first mode when the prohibition on saidinstruction device effected by said instruction prohibition device iscanceled.
 36. An information recording/reproduction apparatus accordingto claim 33, further comprising: an ejection prohibition device thatprohibits ejection of the recording medium when said setting circuit isexecuting a setting operation to set the first mode or the second mode.37. An information recording/reproduction apparatus according to claim29, further comprising: an interruption circuit that interrupts asetting operation performed by said setting circuit when an instructionfor power off is issued in a state in which said setting circuit isexecuting the setting operation to set the first mode or the secondmode; and a verification circuit that verifies with the user in regardto whether or not power is to be turned off, wherein: when saidverification circuit has verified that power is to be turned off, thepower is turned off, whereas if said verification circuit has notverified that power is not to be turned off, said setting circuitcontinues with the setting operation.
 38. An informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 33, wherein anidentification name and a most recent overwrite date on which imagefiles were recorded most recently are recorded for any recording mediumthat has been used at least once; said apparatus further comprises amedium information storage device that stores the identification name,the most recent overwrite date and recorded contents with respect tosaid recording medium that has been loaded and a search circuit thatsearches for the identification name and the most recent overwrite dateof the recording medium currently loaded; and wherein said displaycontrol circuit displays the recorded contents stored in the mediuminformation storage device when the identification name and theoverwrite date searched by said search circuit respectively match theidentification name and the overwrite date stored in said mediuminformation storage device.
 39. An information recording/reproductionapparatus according to claim 38, wherein: the recorded contents includeat least: a file name and a file size of the image files and a recordingcapacity of the recording medium.
 40. An informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 38, wherein: whenthe identification name searched by said search circuit and theidentification name stored in said medium information storage devicematch and the most recent overwrite date searched by said search circuitand the date stored in said medium information storage device do notmatch, said search circuit searches for an image file among the imagefiles recorded in the recording medium that does not match the filestored in said medium information storage device and said mediuminformation storage device stores information on the image file that hasbeen searched by said search circuit; and when neither theidentification name nor the most recent overwrite date searched by saidsearch circuit matches the identification name or the most recentoverwrite date stored in said medium information storage device, saidsearch circuit searches all the image files recorded in the recordingmedium and said medium information storage device stores information onthe image files searched by said search circuit.
 41. An informationrecording/reproduction apparatus according to claim 33, furthercomprising: an assignment circuit that assigns a specific identificationname to a recording medium that is loaded for the first time.
 42. Aninformation recording/reproduction method employed in an informationrecording/reproduction apparatus provided with: an image-capturingdevice that captures an image of a specific subject and generates acorresponding image signal; a recording circuit that records the imagesignal generated by said image-capturing device in an image storagedevice as an image file; and a reproduction circuit that reproduces theimage file stored in said image storage device by said recordingcircuit, that includes; a storage step of storing information as towhich mode is set when power is turned off, a first mode related togeneration of the image signal or a second mode related to the imagefile recorded in said image storage device; and a setting step ofsetting either the first mode or the second mode in conformance to theinformation stored during said storage step when power is turned on. 43.A recording medium for storing a computer program employed in aninformation recording/reproduction apparatus provided with: animage-capturing device that captures an image of a specific subject andgenerates a corresponding image signal; a recording circuit that recordsthe image signal generated by said image-capturing device in an imagestorage device as an image file; and a reproduction circuit thatreproduces the image file recorded in said image storage device by saidrecording circuit; wherein said computer program has; a storage step ofstoring as to which mode is set when power is turned off, a first moderelated to image signal generation or a second mode related to imagefiles recorded in said image storage device; and a setting step ofsetting either the first mode or the second mode in conformance tocontents stored during the storage step when power is turned on.